In a kingdom gripped by shadow and blood, a reluctant ruler finds himself wearing a crown laced with betrayal, legacy, and knives-both metaphorical and very, very real. Mannass, a sharp-tongued and secretly unprepared heir to a fractured realm, is thrust into the depths of political intrigue, ancient curses, and internal rebellion. But his greatest challenge isn't the decaying kingdom he's supposed to lead-it's surviving his allies, especially the broody yet loyal Feilan, who may or may not be one sarcastic remark away from setting the palace on fire. As Thalor teeters between a fragile peace and full-scale civil war, secrets unravel like poisoned scrolls. Armed with a warped sense of humor, an increasingly blood-stained crown, and a support system built on questionable trust and chaotic loyalty, Mannass must decide what kind of king he wants to be-before someone else decides for him.